Bronze Age > Middle Bronze Age of Greece

Middle Bronze Age of Greece

Background

The Middle Bronze Age was a period in Greek history when the first Minoan palaces and other major structures started being built in the region.

The Middle Bronze Age in Greece, spanning approximately 2000 to 1600 BCE, was a period of significant cultural and social development. This era is marked by the rise of more complex societies, advancements in art and architecture, and increased trade and interactions with neighboring regions. It serves as a bridge between the Early Bronze Age and the subsequent Late Bronze Age, which saw the height of the Mycenaean civilization.

Key Characteristics

Geographical Context:

The Middle Bronze Age encompasses various regions of Greece, including mainland Greece (especially the Peloponnese and Central Greece), the Cycladic islands in the Aegean Sea, and Crete.
Different regions experienced distinct developments but also shared cultural traits and interacted extensively.

Societal Structure:

Society became more stratified during this period, with the emergence of elites who held significant power and wealth.
Settlements grew in size and complexity, with more substantial and well-organized structures indicating increased social hierarchy and centralized control.

Major Developments

Architecture and Settlements:

Settlements expanded and became more sophisticated, often featuring megaron-type buildings, which served as central structures in both domestic and communal settings.
Fortifications were constructed around some settlements, indicating concerns about security and defense.

Art and Craftsmanship:

Pottery evolved in style and technique, with the introduction of the Minyan ware, characterized by its fine, wheel-made construction and monochrome, polished surfaces.
Metalworking advanced, with increased use of bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) for tools, weapons, and ornaments. This period saw more intricate and varied metal objects.

Burial Practices:

Burial practices became more elaborate, reflecting the growing social stratification. Graves and tombs often included rich grave goods, such as pottery, jewelry, and weapons, suggesting the wealth and status of the deceased.
Tholos tombs (beehive-shaped) began to appear in some regions, particularly in the Peloponnese, foreshadowing their more extensive use in the Late Bronze Age.

Regional Developments

Mainland Greece:

In mainland Greece, particularly in the Peloponnese, settlements like Lerna and Tiryns continued to grow. These sites featured advanced architectural techniques and served as regional centers of power and culture.
The construction of large buildings and fortifications indicates increased political organization and social hierarchy.

Cycladic Islands:

The Cycladic islands continued their tradition of fine craftsmanship, particularly in pottery and small-scale sculpture. The distinctive Cycladic figurines, often made of marble, are notable artifacts from this period.
The islands also played a crucial role in trade networks, connecting mainland Greece with Crete, Anatolia, and other Aegean cultures.

Crete:

The Middle Bronze Age on Crete is marked by the emergence and development of the Minoan civilization. This period saw the construction of the first palaces, such as those at Knossos, Phaistos, and Malia.
The Minoans developed a complex society with advanced art, architecture, and administration, setting the stage for their prominence in the Late Bronze Age.

Trade and External Relations

Trade Networks:

The Middle Bronze Age saw the expansion of trade networks, both within the Aegean and with neighboring regions such as Anatolia, Egypt, and the Near East.
Goods such as metals, pottery, textiles, and luxury items were exchanged, facilitating cultural interactions and the spread of technological innovations.

Cultural Exchange:

Increased trade and contact with other cultures led to significant cultural exchange. The influence of Minoan Crete, in particular, is evident in mainland Greek art, architecture, and religious practices.
The adoption of new artistic styles, technological innovations, and cultural practices from neighboring regions enriched the local cultures and contributed to the development of more complex societies.

Technological and Artistic Innovations

Pottery:

The development of Minyan ware, with its fine, wheel-made construction and monochrome finish, represents a significant advancement in pottery technology.
Pottery styles became more diverse and sophisticated, with increased use of decoration and new forms emerging across different regions.

Metalworking:

Advances in metallurgy, particularly in the use of bronze, led to the production of more effective tools, weapons, and ornaments. This technological progress contributed to the economic and social development of Middle Bronze Age societies.
Metal objects became more intricate and varied, reflecting both functional and artistic advancements.

Legacy and Transition

Foundations for the Late Bronze Age:

The developments during the Middle Bronze Age laid the groundwork for the emergence of the Mycenaean civilization in the Late Bronze Age. The social structures, technological innovations, and trade networks established during this period were essential for the later cultural flourishing.
The increased complexity of settlements and the rise of elites during the Middle Bronze Age set the stage for the centralized palatial societies of the Mycenaeans.

Cultural Impact:

The cultural and technological advancements of the Middle Bronze Age had a lasting impact on Greek civilization. The artistic styles, architectural techniques, and societal structures developed during this period influenced subsequent periods of Greek history.
The legacy of the Middle Bronze Age is evident in the archaeological record, providing valuable insights into the early development of complex societies in Greece.

In summary, the Middle Bronze Age of Greece was a period of significant transformation and development, marked by the growth of complex societies, advancements in art and technology, and increased trade and cultural exchange. These developments laid the foundations for the emergence of the Mycenaean civilization and had a lasting impact on the history and culture of ancient Greece.

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